UScellular Highlights Phone Features for Hearing Impaired

More than 1.5 billion people in the world deal with hearing loss and the number increases every year. September is National Deaf Awareness Month, and UScellular is reminding consumers about built-in phone features, apps and other resources that can help enhance the lives of those who are hearing impaired.

“Mobile devices are a great tool for the hearing impaired because they can bridge the gap between you and the sound source” Mike Burwell, Director of Sales and Operations for UScellular in Missouri and Illinois. “There are many cellphone accommodations that eliminate the effects of distance, reverberation and background noise for those who struggle with hearing.”

Following are phone features and other resources that accommodate the hearing impaired.

· Connection between phone and hearing aid. Most mobile devices are compatible with an extensive collection of hearing aids. Audio is transmitted through Bluetooth to amplify sound and adjust frequencies through the device’s settings. The sound notifications can also be modified to a lower tone bell or buzzer and left/right sound balance can be tuned to fit the needs of each user.

· Live transcription. Mobile devices can automatically capture speech and transcribe it for the user during a conversation without the need for Wi-Fi or mobile data. This is convenient for those making phone calls or listening to audio messages, and the transcriptions can be reviewed and stored in the device’s app history. Video content can also be accessed through closed captions and subtitles depending on the user’s preference.

· Video calls. Communicate with sign language or read lips with video calls. Mobile devices have a fast-frame rate and high-quality image where users can connect with others in real-time. Individuals can also join Zoom meetings and know exactly what is happening with Otter.ai. This application utilizes artificial intelligence to answer user questions about what is happening in the meeting, records virtual or in-person meeting content, provides captions for YouTube videos shown in a meeting and creates an interactive, easy to follow transcript.

· Get in the hearing loop. The Hearing Loss Association of America and Google have partnered to provide users with an easy way to find out if a hearing loop is available at a business or venue through the Get in the Hearing Loop Program. Hearing loops are an assistive listening technology with a special type of sound system that enhances the quality of hearing aids. Users can access Google Maps to find out which locations are equipped with hearing loop technology.

· Download apps. There are an array of apps created with the hearing impaired in mind, including SoundPrint and Tunity. SoundPrint allows consumers to share a venue’s decibel level and crowdsource the measurement to a Quiet List. This is helpful for people who want to know which places near them are less noisy. Another convenient application is Tunity, which allows individuals to hear live audio from muted televisions. By synching the audio to a mobile device and utilizing computer vision technology, users can hear sound directly into their ears without the background noise of a television.

To learn more about this topic and how to utilize available resources, visit your local UScellular store.

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.